Tripod - Heavy and Heavy Duty - What to buy?

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

08/02/2013 09:38:07 PM · #1

I want a serious tripod - lightweight means nothing to me, other than "moves in winds faster than 50mph".

I do shooting in environments where durability, stability, and function mean much more to me than weight.

So, with budget at least somewhat in mind, what's out there for rock-solid tripods?

I also think I want a geared head, strongly considering the Manfrotto 410 Junior.

So, any suggestions?

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

08/02/2013 09:44:57 PM · #2

Thought you already were a gear-head... O wait, you were talking about something else ;-)

Any good solid tripod can be made as stable as you need, by hanging additional weight off either the center column around the collar and down between the legs. It's what I do with mine. The added weight is usually my camera bag, but can be pretty much anything. Carry a mesh bag, and it can be local rocks, weight you don't have to cart in and cart out.

Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

08/02/2013 09:58:25 PM · #3

This is what you want...

We used this for years, it's bulletproof :-)

That 410 gearhead (Kirbic bought one from me) was just too fiddly on the knobs for my taste. I like cranks, not twisty knobs. They are hard to use when it's cold.

Message edited by author 2013-08-02 22:27:22.

DCNUTTER

Canon EOS-7D

08/02/2013 10:50:44 PM · #4

Well, when I went looking for a new quality tripod a few years back carbon fiber was not an option for me. I'm nearly 6 foot 5 inches and 256 lbs. I needed a tripod that I could use without having to raise the center column in order to see through at eye level. Nothing in the Manfrotto line up fit that bill except for one.

I have the Manfrotto 055XProB legs which are solid and give you the flexibility one needs to shoot low to the ground, up against rock, at full height etc. They deal with wind very well.

My head, which I love is the Manfrotto 808RC4. It might not be what you're looking for, but it suits me well.

I didn't care about lightweight either, and I got what I was looking and couldn't be happier.

Here are a couple shots I took of it in the Fall of 2011 at a local lake.

Dave

08/02/2013 11:15:37 PM · #5

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Think that'd handle 50-60lbs of gear on the head?

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/02/2013 11:26:20 PM · #6

Originally posted by Cory:

Think that'd handle 50-60lbs of gear on the head?

The Majestic? Definitely. The 410? No way.

Devinder

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

08/02/2013 11:38:25 PM · #7

you have 40-50 pounds in gear? jeebus. you need the heavy guns. I woulda said you would be fine with with the manfrottos mentioned earlier (i use the 055x myself -it does the job), but you probably want to look into an
Induro Carbon 8X CT414 Tripod will do what you need it to - part of the carbon deal seems to be the ability to handle more weight. if you're ok with a lil less stability but if you want a slightly heavier tripod (.8 pounds) that's not carbon and has lower load capacity, then maybe go Induro Alloy 8M AT413 Tripod. The second choice is about 300$ cheaper so there's that too.

With any big purchase, i recommend driving to the biggest camera store near you and try a few out. I imagine they'll have samples laid out to try out - that's what i did.

edit: Any higher weight tolerance and you're looking at something more expensive, or like bear said - something older built for medium formats.
double ps: the head you mentioned in op is rated for 11 lbs.

Message edited by author 2013-08-02 23:46:23.

08/03/2013 12:03:43 AM · #8

Originally posted by Devinder:

I wasn't dreaming big until Bear posted that monster.... Think I'm gonna buy it.

08/03/2013 12:10:33 AM · #9

Well, I'm in on that auction.

What a fricken monster of a tripod.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/03/2013 12:43:27 AM · #10

Originally posted by Cory:

Well, I'm in on that auction.

What a fricken monster of a tripod.

Even at buy-it-now it's a very decent price. I used to hike in the mountains with that thing and a whole Sinar-P kit in its box, complete with 24 loaded film holders, so a big strong buck like you can move it around. And for studio work it's fantastic. That extension arm (rare) is a godsend; lets you cantilever the whole camera unit out over railings, abutments, whatever. Hell of a rig, and major old-school. I bought mine new in 1974 or so, and it was old-school even then.

Chit, you missed your chance to buy-it-now by entering the auction. You'll hate yourself if you lose it :-)

Message edited by author 2013-08-03 00:46:48.

see

Canon PowerShot S95

08/03/2013 09:00:13 AM · #11

Cory, might I make a suggestion. In the future you might not want to bid so early. First it allows other bidders knowledge of competition and also allows the seller ample time to establish a shill to up the bid.
This seller\'s feedback shows a few things that bring out red flags.
First a few buyers purchasing the same or similar items. I have seen worse but too common for my taste. Feedback of the those same buyers showing the same activity.
Also a few small nitpicks.
I also question his integrity after reading his claims on the guitar he is also selling.
All could be explained easily, I am just suggesting be careful..

Devinder

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

08/03/2013 12:31:12 PM · #12

sweet, best of luck Cory.

I only purchase older gear as a rare exception. I m curious about your opinion on this one if/when you get it.

Nadine_Vb

Nikon D2X

Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DL Macro for Nikon

08/03/2013 12:44:58 PM · #13

Originally posted by DCNUTTER:

Well, when I went looking for a new quality tripod a few years back carbon fiber was not an option for me. I\\\'m nearly 6 foot 5 inches and 256 lbs. I needed a tripod that I could use without having to raise the center column in order to see through at eye level. Nothing in the Manfrotto line up fit that bill except for one.

I have the Manfrotto 055XProB legs which are solid and give you the flexibility one needs to shoot low to the ground, up against rock, at full height etc. They deal with wind very well.

My head, which I love is the Manfrotto 808RC4. It might not be what you\\\'re looking for, but it suits me well.

I didn\\\'t care about lightweight either, and I got what I was looking and couldn\\\'t be happier.

Here are a couple shots I took of it in the Fall of 2011 at a local lake.

Dave

The Manfrotto 055XProB is a dream. Heavy when walking around a lot with it (at least that\\\'s my feeling) but nicely stable and resisting a lot. Since I don\\\'t have heavy lenses I\\\'ve combined it with a 488RC4 head. I use the same type of head on my Manfrotto monopod 679B as well.

Message edited by author 2013-08-03 12:45:23.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/03/2013 01:17:08 PM · #14

Isn\'t this weird? It\'s anyone\'s guess why this\'s happening...

Devinder

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

08/03/2013 01:36:09 PM · #15

happens to me sometimes, i edit and hand correct. thought it was because i was leaving posts half written for a long time and re-logging in. I m sometimes distracted mid-post

-turns out its a real issue -.-

Message edited by author 2013-08-03 13:36:30.

DCNUTTER

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

08/04/2013 12:44:47 AM · #16

Originally posted by Nadine_Vb:

Originally posted by DCNUTTER:
Well, when I went looking for a new quality tripod a few years back carbon fiber was not an option for me. I\\\'m nearly 6 foot 5 inches and 256 lbs. I needed a tripod that I could use without having to raise the center column in order to see through at eye level. Nothing in the Manfrotto line up fit that bill except for one.

I have the Manfrotto 055XProB legs which are solid and give you the flexibility one needs to shoot low to the ground, up against rock, at full height etc. They deal with wind very well.

My head, which I love is the Manfrotto 808RC4. It might not be what you\\\'re looking for, but it suits me well.

I didn\\\'t care about lightweight either, and I got what I was looking and couldn\\\'t be happier.

Here are a couple shots I took of it in the Fall of 2011 at a local lake.

Dave

The Manfrotto 055XProB is a dream. Heavy when walking around a lot with it (at least that\\\'s my feeling) but nicely stable and resisting a lot. Since I don\\\'t have heavy lenses I\\\'ve combined it with a 488RC4 head. I use the same type of head on my Manfrotto monopod 679B as well.

"Like" :)

Dave

Message edited by author 2013-08-04 00:45:14.

CEJ

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

08/04/2013 08:28:36 AM · #17

Manfrotto 458B These legs are fantastic. Strong, durable, steady, very versatile.

Manfrotto 405 Geared head - excellent all around!

Those are what I have and I have never regretted the investment.

Mike

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Canon Mount

08/04/2013 11:02:16 AM · #18

The 055XPROB. Solid. Heavy. Stands to my eye height (6'-2") without the center column extended.
If there is something stronger and more solid than those legs, that's impressive.

Message edited by author 2013-08-05 08:07:19.

DCNUTTER

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

08/04/2013 11:26:58 PM · #19

Originally posted by Mike:

The 055XPROB. Solid. Heavy. Stands to my eye height (6'-2") without the center column extended.
Its there is something stronger and more solid than those legs, that's impressive.

Yup, same as mine. What head are you using with yours Mike?

Dave

Mike

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Canon Mount

08/05/2013 08:09:54 AM · #20

a Giottos 3 way pan.

nothing special, if i had to use it all the time i'd probably get something else. the three level system is kind of a pain to get the camera in the right position. Its solid and strong though.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

08/05/2013 08:47:20 AM · #21

I'll just echo Bear's sentiment.

The only thing more stable might be a studio camera stand, but that's a hell of a lot less portable and much heavier.

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

08/05/2013 06:32:22 PM · #22

I own a tripod. :D

Hopefully I get as lucky with the quality of the seller as I did with the price.

$280 shipped. Wow!

Thanks again for the pointer there Bear, I really appreciate it - and I suspect that this is exactly what I wanted.

Message edited by author 2013-08-05 18:55:11.